For True

Although the soul of Trombone Shorty's sophomore record is informed by second-line beats, the New Orleans trombonist, trumpeter and bandleader weaves in aggressive elements of funk, hip-hop and rock (in fact Kid Rock parachutes in to bungle some rhymes on "Mrs. Orleans"). Guest spots speak to the rock-oriented range, from guitarists Warren Haynes and Jeff Beck to Lenny Kravitz, the Rebirth Brass Band and a couple of Neville brothers. The aggro edge may get a bit wonky, but you can't fault him for lack of tenacity. "Roses" is a catchy rock tune, while "Big 12" has the best instrumental solos.